Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

IACUC

What is an IACUC?

The IACUC is responsible for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide).  Its oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use.

What does the IACUC do?

• Review, at least semiannually, the institution's program for the humane care and use of animals;
• Inspect, at least semiannually, the College's vivaria (including satellite facilities);
• Prepare reports to the Institutional Official (IO) of the IACUC evaluations;
• Review animal welfare concerns;
• Make recommendations to the IO on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, or personnel training;
• Review and approve, those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals;
• Review and approve, proposed significant changes to the use of animals in ongoing activities; and
• Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals.

Research Protocol Application

When to submit a research protocol application.

Protocols must be submitted three weeks in advance of the scheduled IACUC meeting to be eligible for review. This allows adequate time for the committee to conduct a proper review and request any necessary modifications. Protocols submitted in less time may not be reviewed until the next scheduled meeting.

How to submit a research protocol application.

Please submit IACUC applications via Cayuse Animal Oversight.

No research may begin before written approval has been issued.
No research animals may be obtained prior to receiving written approval.

Where to find IACUC applications and other forms.

Applications and other forms can be found by visiting Animal Research Forms and Resources.

Principal Investigators must get approval before making changes to activities in approved protocols.

Guidance on what is considered a significant change to an ongoing animal activity that requires IACUC review can be found in NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-14-126 or Significant Changes webpage. 

Animal Welfare Concerns and Whistleblower Protection Standard

There are several mechanisms available for students, personnel, and the greater Bowdoin community on how to report an animal welfare concern:

1. Signs are posted in animal areas, and the vivarium, that describe the mechanisms on how to report a concern. Information includes the website to Bowdoin’s Code of Conduct describing the College’s whistleblower protection standard and no reprisals statement as well as guidance on the reporting of, and contact information for those that want to report animal welfare concerns anonymously via ethicspoint.com (http://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/handbook/general-policies/code-of-conduct.shtml). Email addresses to the general IACUC email address, IACUC chair address, and direct email address for the Animal Welfare and Facilities Manager are also listed.
2. The College’s Office of Safety and Security has an anonymous reporting form on their website on how to report animal welfare concerns. https://bowdoincollege.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ai5Bykj38UQkdGB
3. The Faculty Handbook includes the College’s Ethical Standards of Research Policy that outlines how to submit complaints about possible misconduct in research. That policy is available in hard-copy and publicly accessible online. https://www.bowdoin.edu/academic-affairs/pdf/20-21facultyhandbook.pdf
4. The Faculty Handbook includes the Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Violence Policy. That policy is available in hard-copy and publicly accessible online. https://www.bowdoin.edu/academic-affairs/pdf/20-21facultyhandbook.pdf

The IACUC sets aside time at meetings to review concerns and recommends appropriate actions to the Institutional Official.